Instructional leagues focus on development, but opportunities are fewer in Japan, home to a dozen big-league teams. Each organization there is limited to a single minor-league club. Major League Baseball has 26 - soon to be 28 - teams, and some have as many as eight minor-league affiliates.

Houston has invited 48 players, among them former No. 1 picks Tom Nevers, a shortstop and first-round pick in the June 1990 draft; and outfielder Willie Ansley, a No. 1 pick in 1988. The Astros also are looking at infielder Shawn Livsey, a second-round pick in the 1991 draft.

Another invitee is former University of Florida catcher Mario Linares, who played his first season of pro ball in the New York/Penn League.

Kansas City has invited 38 players, among them the Royals' top pick in the June draft, Joe Vitiello of Alabama, a first baseman who will get a chance this fall to play in the outfield.